How to Use a College Side Hustle to Get the Experience You Need for Your Dream Job

Drafted Staff

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that college isn’t a one-stop shop for your future career. The unfortunate truth is that most colleges don’t offer the specific training and experience you need to get your dream job. And even if they do, it’s often at an exceptionally high cost. That’s why almost half of all recent graduates are also working side gigs to supplement their education. And while these side jobs can feel like a burden on top of the usual schoolwork, they can also be a blessing in disguise. These small gigs are giving new grads the opportunity to gain real-world skills and experiences they wouldn’t have gotten from just academics alone.

What is a Side Hustle?

A side hustle is any small and profitable business venture you can work on in your free time. The key word here is “small”. Unlike full-time jobs, these side hustles can be run from your laptop and scaled as little or as much as you want. Some popular examples include:

  • Selling on a marketplace like eBay or Amazon
  • Building your personal brand or social profile (influencer)
  • Crafting items on Etsy
  • Doing freelance work online
  • Inventing products
  • Writing articles for websites
  • Tutoring online
  • Driving for a rideshare service
  • Doing online research for companies

If you’re just getting started, we recommend starting small and testing out a few different ideas. Once you’ve found something that works for you, you can start expanding into other areas. And the best part is that you can do these side hustles at home while still keeping up with your classes.

Why You Should Start a Side Hustle While in College

There are a few reasons why you should start a side hustle while in college. First, it can help you cover some of the costs of your education. With tuition costs rising every year, it’s only getting more expensive to go to college. And while financial aid and scholarships are always options, they aren’t always reliable. Second, it can help you create a polished resume. If you’re still trying to figure out what you want to do after graduation, a side hustle can help you build a more impressive resume. You can use your outside work experience to make your resume more robust, which can help you land your dream job. With so many college students looking for work, having a side hustle can help you stand out from the crowd. Finally, a side hustle can help you get the experience you need for your dream job. If you’re still trying to find your niche, starting a side hustle can help you get the hands-on experience you need to find your true passion.

How to Find the Right Side Hustle for You

Finding the right side hustle is all about experimentation. You want to try out a number of different ideas and see what sticks. While there aren’t any hard and fast rules, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help you get started. First, look for something that complements your major. If you’re studying business, try selling items on eBay. If you’re studying engineering, try designing products on a platform like Inventor. Second, look for something that’s already proven. There’s nothing more discouraging than pouring hours into something only to find out no one is interested in buying it. Instead, find a side hustle that has a proven track record and is easy to replicate. Finally, look for a side hustle that can be scaled up and down depending on your schedule. This can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed if you find yourself with more work than you can handle.

The Final Step: Takeaway

College is an exciting time and a great opportunity to explore new passions and find your true calling. Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to fit a full-time job into this equation. We recommend starting a side hustle to help cover the costs of your education and get some hands-on experience. There are a number of different side hustles you can start while still in college, like selling items on eBay or writing articles for websites. Finding the right side hustle is all about experimenting and seeing what works best for you. With a bit of luck and perseverance, you can use your side hustle to build the experience you need and make a little extra cash while you’re in school.

The worst majors in college

Knowing which majors to avoid can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you choose the right major for your academic and professional goals.

Read more
How to Get Into Sales: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for the best way to get into sales, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!

Read more
Should I list my non-relevant summer job on my resume?

With careful consideration, you can decide if listing your non-relevant summer job on your resume is the right move for you.

Read more
No job after graduation? How to manage your stress and keep going

Here are some tips to help you stay positive, keep your spirits up and get back on track.

Read more
Highest paying jobs in Atlanta

Read on to learn more about the top paying jobs in Atlanta, and how to get one.

Read more
Should You Include a Photo on Your Resume?

In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of including a photo on your resume, and look at some tips and guidelines for making sure you get it right.

Read more
Stay updated!

Subscribe To Our Email List To Get All The Great Stuff We Write About

Free updates
Good stuff
Only value

Get Started Now

Learn more
Subscribe to the Drafted Newsletter